Kieran Trippier could miss the rest of the season unless Newcastle United find themselves 'scrapping for survival' in May.
That is the verdict of injury expert Ben Dinnery, who reckons Eddie Howe will be hoping to welcome the England international back into the fold in pre-season.
Trippier's instant impact on Tyneside came to a halt after he was forced off with a foot injury in United's narrow home victory over Aston Villa on February 13.
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Howe has since confirmed the 31-year-old has undergone surgery for the fracture and outlined his hope the full-back could return this season, but admitted it was a 'significant injury'.
Emil Krafth deputised in United's draw at West Ham at the weekend, while no update has yet been given over whether Javier Manquillo will be fit to face Brentford on Saturday.
Dinnery - who runs the Premier League Injuries website - insists it is rare for a player to return from the injury within a 70-day period.
Newcastle's recent form has seen them move four points clear of the relegation zone, and the injury expert reckons the right-back may not be risked again this campaign.
Dinnery told Football Insider: "We need to understand that this is a serious setback.
“Yes, he went under the knife early and the surgery went well. That’s all true.
“But it doesn’t matter about the advances in technology, we’re still looking at an eight to 10-week period before the bone begins to heal.
“There will be a fixation in that bone to help the injury along and join the bone up. But things can be effected on the way.
“The fixation is on the outside of the foot. With the boots in football, that can cause discomfort and irritation and a need for it to be removed.
“These are factors that can come at a later date. Typically, the data indicates that the return date is between 80 and 85 days.
“There are very few instances in which players return in a 70-day period. That shows that we’re looking at the higher end of the return-to-play timeline.
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“By then, we’ll be approaching May. If they are still scrapping for survival, they may throw him back in.
“But if things go really well and Newcastle are safe, they will target him getting ready for pre-season.”
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